Naturopathic Foundation's blogs are written by naturopathic doctors that work at Naturopathic Foundation's Health Clinic in Markham, Ontario. The blogs provide detailed information on how to prevent and treat disease.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Spending time outside is necessary for health. From a naturopathic perspective, the "healing power of nature" is viewed as one of our highest ideas. There is a deep belief that nature itself provides a healing wisdom in and of itself. There is a growing body of research that is now proving that time in nature supports healing and is required for optimal health.

The health benefits of being outside are not just about increased exposure to vitamin D, but sunlight and time in nature improve mood, sleep, eyesight, immune status and overall health. Sunlight is also an effective treatment for many skin disorders, in preventing chronic disorders and in decreasing stress. To learn more information http://www.ndhealthfacts.org/index.php?title=Time_Spent_Outside

The fear of sun exposure has been taken too far. Frequent sunburns at a young age can increase your risk for some skin cancers when you're older. But the lack of sun exposure is linked to an increased risk of many other cancers including colon, prostate, lung and kidney. Many of these other cancers are more difficult to treat and have a higher mortality rate. It is not about avoiding the sun, it is about avoiding getting burnt.

Tips to enjoying the sun:

Spend time outside between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. as that is when there is optimal UVB/UVA ratio.

20 minutes a day is ideal. If spending greater periods of time outside, spend more time in shaded areas.

Stay well hydrated

The more exposed your skin, the greater the Vitamin D absorption.

Dark skinned individuals and the elderly require greater time outside.

Avoid toxic sunscreens. Not only do they often cause more harm than help, but chemicals in sunscreens or any personal care products often increase the likelihood that you will burn more easily when in the sun.